For comics shipping 03.03.10 or The Week Spring Training Began Once More. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DARK HORSE COMICS

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #33 – $2.99

Twilight revealed. For the few of you left who use the internet and didn’t find out the identity of the masked man a few months ago, this is the issue you’ve been waiting for.

DC COMICS

Demo, Volume 2 #2 – $2.99

This issue’s story centers on a man who resents food so much he doesn’t eat. Too bad he’s become smitten with a co-worker, and will do whatever it takes to win her over. The thing I love most about this series is I have no idea what’s going to happen, and I can’t stop turning the pages once I open a book. You should all definitely be reading this great series.

Detective Comics #862 – $2.99

More great Batwoman adventures from Rucka and Jock. I’m a huge fan of Jock’s art, and even though it’s tough for anyone to have to replace JH Williams III on a book, I really am digging his layouts and finishes on this book. Besides, you’re also getting another stellar Question back-up from Rucka and Cully Hamner, so you really can’t go wrong here.

First Wave #1 – $3.99

Brian Azzarello and Rags Morales bring Doc Savage and The Spirit into the DC fold for good with this mini-series, which will hopefully launch a series of new ongoings starring the Man of Bronze and Denny Colt. Those of you wondering just what Batman is doing on the cover should know that this story will take place during the very start of Bruce’s career as the Caped Crusader, and won’t be bogged down by the constraints of continuity of the last fifty years.

MARVEL COMICS

Invincible Iron Man #24 – $2.99

Fraction, Larocca, Tony Stark. That’s all you need to know. I mean, you’re not going to want to miss out on the penultimate issue of “Stark: Disassembled.” Especially since next month’s twenty-fifth issue is likely going to be one of the best single issues of the year.

Ultimate Comics Avengers #5 – $3.99

Mark Millar and Carlos Pacheco return to continue the story of the Ultimate Red Skull, and you had better believe I’m not missing a panel of it. Millar defined what the Ultimate Avengers were, and nobody tells a better story with these characters than this guy. Pacheco’s no slouch in the art department either. Check this out.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #1 – $3.99

Even though I don’t particularly care for what Jeph Loeb’s done with these characters in the past, he’s got the distinct advantage of working with Frank Cho on this book. If you don’t know how stunning each and every page of Cho’s art is, perhaps you better do some searching online to find out what you’ve been missing. Seriously, this book is going to look amazing. How it reads? That’s something we’re going to have to find out together.

Wolverine: Weapon X #11 – $3.99

Ron Garney returns to team with Jason Aaron for another arc of the best Wolverine comic on the stands. The action’s intense. The art’s top notch. The characters are well characterized, and the plots are engaging. It’s a new story arc that would be perfect for new readers to jump on with. That was a hint.

ONI PRESS

Stumptown #3 – $3.99

Man, feels like forever since I read the last issue of this book, but the wait will have been well worth it. Rucka’s got a character with a sharp mind and tongue, and a propensity for trouble to boot. Solving the case isn’t going to be easy for Dex, but as the mystery grows deeper, the odds grow worse. I can’t wait to see how it all goes down.

Trade Paperback/Hardcover of the Week

Planetary, Volume IV – $24.99

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday created a comic about a group of adventurers who took on all the archetypes and fantastical stories we grew up with and then some. The series finally concluded late last year, and now you can get your hands on the final nine chapters of this tribute to science fiction. Ellis’ storytelling is no joke, and the way he’s able to reinterpret the myths and legends we all know and love cements his place as one of the modern masters of comic fiction. John Cassaday is a brilliant artist, with a deft ability to ground fantasy in reality. Once you grab this, you’re going to want the other three books. Do yourself a favor, and make sure you leave a little room on your bookshelf for Planetary.